11 Places to Avoid in North Carolina [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As a frequent traveler and tourist in North Carolina, I’ve had the chance to explore many different cities and towns across this beautiful state. While most places offer charm and hospitality, there are a few locations that unfortunately left me feeling uneasy and even unsafe. As a helpful guide to fellow travelers, I wanted to provide an insider’s perspective on the places to avoid in North Carolina for your next trip through the Tar Heel State.

After spending time as a tourist in North Carolina and passing through nearly every city and town across the state, I’ve compiled a list of the top 11 Places to Avoid based on high crime rates, lack of things to do, rundown infrastructure, and overall unsafety. These are areas that I personally did not enjoy visiting and would not recommend to fellow tourists and travelers.

Throughout this article, I’ll count down the most common places to avoid in North Carolina and explain why each location ended up on the list. I’ll provide an overview of each area along with details on crime statistics, ratings, and my own personal experiences. Consider this your warning guide on the places in North Carolina that are best to simply avoid on your next visit!

1. Lumberton

As the largest city in Robeson County, Lumberton unfortunately tops my list as the #1 place to avoid in North Carolina. With a population of just 21,000 residents, this city has an extremely high crime rate that landed it among the most dangerous cities in the entire country. Violent crimes in Lumberton are 113% higher than the national average, making tourists easy targets. I felt uneasy walking alone even during the day. The downtown area also lacks any true attractions or things to do besides some basic retail shops. With high crime and little entertainment value, Lumberton is best avoided.

2. Henderson

As the county seat of Vance County, the small city of Henderson comes in as the second place to avoid in North Carolina. With just over 15,000 residents, this sleepy city has seen economic troubles recently with the decline of tobacco and manufacturing jobs. Downtown Henderson has a high vacancy rate and many rundown buildings. However, the main reason I put Henderson on this list is the high crime rate for both property and violent crimes. The chance of being a victim of either crime here is nearly double the state average. Without much to see and high crime, Henderson is disappointingly a place I’d suggest avoiding.

3. Kinston

Situated in Lenoir County, the city of Kinston, unfortunately, makes my list at number 3 for places to avoid in North Carolina. With a population of just 21,000, Kinston is another smaller city with alarmingly high crime rates. Violent crimes like aggravated assault and robbery are over 115% higher than the national average. Property crimes are also on the rise. Besides crime concerns, Kinston is also rundown with over 20% of residents living below the poverty line. The downtown area is struggling and many buildings sit vacant. With little charm and high incidents of crime, Kinston is one of the least recommended places to visit in NC.

4. Laurinburg

Nestled in Scotland County, the small town of Laurinburg comes in at number four as a place to avoid in North Carolina. With close to 16,000 residents, this sleepy Southern town doesn’t have much to offer visitors besides a historic downtown strip. However, even the downtown area has many vacancies and rundown infrastructure. Violent crimes are 75% higher than the national average and even simple assault and theft are extremely common occurrences. As a visitor, I did not feel safe wandering Laurinburg alone. Between the high crime and lack of things to do, Laurinburg is best avoided.

5. Statesville

Located in Iredell County, the city of Statesville unfortunately lands at number 5 on my list of places to avoid in North Carolina. With a population of around 28,000, Stateville is inadequately equipped to handle the high rates of both property and violent crimes. Aggravated assaults are over 55% higher than the national average. Robberies and motor vehicle theft are also extremely common. Downtown Statesville is somewhat bleak with empty storefronts and limited entertainment options besides some basic retail stores. Overall, I did not have a great experience and don’t recommend Statesville as a tourist destination.

6. Goldsboro

Situated in Wayne County, the city of Goldsboro comes in at number six as a recommended place to avoid in North Carolina. With a population of around 36,000, Goldsboro has unfortunately seen a spike in violent crime over the past few years including homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes are also very high with burglary and larceny theft being big issues. Downtown Goldsboro is run down with many vacant buildings and limited shopping or dining options. With crime rates soaring and not much to do, Goldsboro is best to simply avoid.

7. Rocky Mount

Serving as the county seat for both Edgecombe and Nash counties, the city of Rocky Mount makes my list as number 7 for places to avoid in North Carolina. With a population of around 57,000, Rocky Mount has concerning crime rates across the board. Violent crimes are nearly 70% higher than the national average, making walking alone feel unsafe. Property crime is also very high with motor vehicle theft being a major issue. Downtown Rocky Mount looks rundown with many empty storefronts and buildings in need of repair. Between the high crime and lack of charm, Rocky Mount is low on my recommended places to visit list.

8. Smithfield

Located in Johnston County, the town of Smithfield ranks number 8 for places I recommend avoiding in North Carolina. With just under 15,000 residents, you may assume this small town would be charming and welcoming. However, property and violent crime rates are extremely high for such a tiny population. Aggravated assaults and robberies happen over 75% more often compared to the national average. Downtown Smithfield has some historic sites but looks worn down and has limited dining options besides fast food. Overall, Smithfield warrants avoiding.

9. Salisbury

Situated in Rowan County, the city of Salisbury unfortunately makes my list as the 9th place to avoid when visiting North Carolina. With around 34,000 residents, Salisbury is plagued by high rates of both property and violent crimes. Violent crime rates are nearly 85% higher than the national average. Common issues include aggravated assault, robbery, and rape. Property crimes like motor vehicle theft and arson are also serious issues. Downtown Salisbury is underwhelming, with many vacant storefronts. Considering the high crime and lack of charm, Salisbury is best to avoid.

10. Burlington

Serving as the county seat of Alamance County, the city of Burlington rounds out my top 10 places to avoid in North Carolina. With around 52,000 residents, Burlington grapples with unemployment woes and high crime rates. Property crimes in particular are a serious issue, with burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft being nearly 100% higher than the national average. The downtown area is small and lacks character, with just a few shops and eateries. Overall, Burlington doesn’t have much to offer tourists and poses safety concerns.

11. Charlotte

It may be surprising to see North Carolina’s largest city make my list of places to avoid, but Charlotte comes in at #11. With over 870,000 residents in the metro area, Charlotte is uncomfortably overcrowded which leads to high crime and traffic congestion. Violent crimes like rape, robbery, and aggravated assault are above the national rates. Property crimes are also an issue with car theft and larceny being common. While Uptown Charlotte has some redeeming qualities, overall the congestion and crowds here make me recommend avoiding Charlotte if possible when visiting North Carolina.

Conclusion

After traveling extensively through North Carolina as a tourist, I unfortunately found several cities and towns that I simply cannot recommend visiting. Based on high crime rates, lack of entertainment, and rundown infrastructure, I provided my list of the most common places to avoid in North Carolina for your next trip through the Tar Heel State. While North Carolina has many charming destinations, these particular cities are best to simply avoid for an enjoyable and safe travel experience. Considering the concerning statistics and experiences, I suggest crossing these locations off your North Carolina travel bucket list and opting for the many other great places this beautiful state has to offer visitors!